Prepare for delays at Suvarnabhumi

Airlines will suffer delays at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport’s as maintenance work is being carried out on the east runway and B1 taxiway, 3 March to 2 May.

The airport’s general manager, Sirote Duangratana, said the runway closure is needed for urgent repairs that will take 60 days to complete.

“A 935-metre section at the north end of the east runway and the entire stretch of the B1 taxiway will be closed,” he said.

The remaining stretch of the runway that does not need repairs will still be used for some take-offs.

Thai Airways International, last week, advised passengers to be prepared for delays as the closure is likely to cause a backlog of flights.

It could also cause stress for passengers who need to connect with other flights at Thailand’s busiest airport . They should allow more time between two connecting flights.

The standard handling capacity of 68 flights per hour could reduce to about 60 flights, the AoT advised.

An alternative for residents living in the provinces is to book with airlines based in Don Mueang Airport and avoid travelling to Suvarnabhumi until the runway repairs are finished.

It is quite possible that domestic flights will be delayed if there is a backlog of flights waiting to take off. A priority would be given to international flights so they can keep their schedules.

Thai Lion, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia cover all of the country’s domestic destinations from Don Mueang Airport with the exception of Samui island.

AoT officials said they had a contingency plan to use U-Tapao airport as an alternative in case air traffic becomes too congested at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has adjusted its operations to allow only takeoffs on the remaining portion of the east runway while the west runway will continue to serve both departing and arriving flights.

Thai Airways International acting president, Usanee Sangsingkeo, said the 60-day maintenance project will impact on aircraft take offs and landings during a period of time.

“The company anticipates that this may result in some flight delays on departure and arrival…the company is prepared to use an alternate airport if necessary and has set up an operational centre to coordinate and resolve any issues that may arise due to temporary runway repairs.”

Passengers were advised to give themselves extra time to join connecting flights, she said.
Suvarnabhumi airport, the country main gateway, attracted 55,892,428 passengers last year increasing 5.65% from 52,902,110 passengers in 2015. Overall aircraft movements stood at 336,354 improving 6.08% from 317,066 movements in 2015.